Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or TOS is considered a compression disorder of the bands of nerves into the arm called the brachial plexus and the accompanied vessels consisting of the Subclavian Artery and Vein. The compression may arise from compression either at the Anterior Scalene, the Pectoralis Minor, or a combination of both resulting in a radicular nerve sensation at C5-6, but mostly C8-T1, paresthesia which is found 90 percent on ulnar side, a positive Adson’s Test most likely, a positive finding of Tinel’s sign at Erb’s point for Radial nerve +/or the Ulnar nerve, and TMJ tenderness of the symptomatic side 68 percent. As discussed in other areas of this website, scoliosis, lateral bends of the spine, and a dysfunctional pelvis all have contributing aspects to the rest of the body. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome also may have a lateral cervical (neck) flexion to symptomatic side, C-type scoliosis seen 80 percent and 20 percent S-type, a pelvic tilt 90 percent towards the injured side, and oddly enough possible Coccigodinia with a cutaneous response 50 percent of the time (8).